Japan could become one of the first countries in the world to end the HIV epidemic, says the president of Gilead Sciences Japan, Kennet Brysting. The idea for now could seem a little too ambitious, but it is not entirely unrealistic, given that the availability of medicines that can prevent transmission of HIV. Drugs are not the cure, but control over the spread of virus to the point where the disease is no longer a major public health threat.

What Is The Role Of Preventative HIV Medicines?

Gilead's have two key drugs, Truvada and lenacapavir. These two are playing a crucial role in prevention. Truvada is taken as a daily pill, while lenacapavir requires two injections per year. It can make the virus undetectable in infected individuals and prevent transmission to those who are not infected yet. In trials, lenacapavir showed 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infections. This is why it is describe as "almost a vaccine".

In 2024, Japan also approved Truvada for HIV prevention, but the country has yet to approve lenacapavir for the same. Until now, people in Japan had been importing generic versions of Truvada or purchasing it from clinics that source it from overseas.

HIV In Japan

Up until now, Japan reported around 25,000 HIV infections, whereas 669 new cases were reported in 2023. For seven consecutive years, the number of new infections remained under 1,000. The downward trend thus shows that the virus has been controlled, however, getting to zero new infections remains the ultimate goal.

Brysting too acknowledged that simply having effective drug is not enough. What is important is to have a proper implementation, access and healthcare support to make sure that these treatments are widely available and effective.

What Are The Challenges In Implementation?

The biggest challenges is testing rates. There is a need to increase testing rates. At this very moment, around 86% people infective with Japan have been tested, but the goal is to increase it up to 95%, with an ideal goal of 100%. Without widespread testing, many infected people may not even know that they are infected and it could transmit the virus.

Another measure issue is the cost of preventative medication. While Japan's health insurance covers treatments for diseases, it does not cover preventative drugs. Those who purchase Truvada for prevention, pay around $470 per month. Some clinics in Tokyo offer generic alternatives too, which is cheaper, but they are not ideal.

Better Healthcare Support

Brysting expressed concern that individuals importing medications might not be consulting doctors regularly, which is essential for monitoring HIV status and overall health. Truvada users need to be tested for HIV initially and every three months, along with screenings for other infections and kidney function checks. Without proper medical supervision, there is a risk of misuse and inadequate protection.

Gilead is in discussions with Japanese authorities to improve access and insurance coverage for Truvada, and progress is being made. Japan has shown efficiency in approving critical medicines, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when Gilead’s remdesivir was approved in just three days.

What Is The Way Ahead?

Gilead at this moment is not only focused on HIV and hepatitis C, but also expanding into oncology with innovative treatments like CAR-T cell therapy, which strengthens a patient's immune system to fight cancer.

However, Japan’s strict approval processes can slow down drug availability. Phase 3 clinical trials often need to be conducted within the country, and Japan tends to approve medicines much later than other regions. For instance, Truvada was approved for prevention in Japan 12 years after the U.S. and nearly 20 years after its approval for treatment. inancial factors also play a role. The Japanese government adjusts drug prices annually, often reducing them, which can make long-term investment challenging for pharmaceutical companies.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed that the illnesses are associated with recalled salami products distributed in various provinces, triggering immediate public health advisories, health authorities are investigating a salmonella outbreak that has already infected over 50 individuals and resulted in seven hospitalizations.

The PHAC states that the outbreak was attributed to three particular salami products sold under two product names: Rea's Genoa Salami Sweet and Genoa Salami Hot, and Bona's Mild Genova Salami. All of these were sold and distributed within Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba through different locations such as grocery stores, butcher shops, restaurants, cafes, and specialty markets.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released a notice of recall on June 10, after increased numbers of reported cases were reported between mid-April to late May 2025. Up to June 11, 57 individuals have been confirmed ill, 44 in Alberta and 13 in Ontario. PHAC indicates additional cases may emerge, referencing an infective-to-report window of up to 45 days.

Where Was the Salami Contaminated?

Examinations find that most of the infected people had eaten the salami in pre-cut sandwiches or deli counter portions, highlighting the common distribution and consumption of the recalled items. The CFIA has called on consumers to inspect their refrigerators and dispose of any impacted items or bring them back to the place of purchase.

What is a Salmonella Infections?

Salmonella is a bacterium that can result in a serious infection of the gastrointestinal tract called salmonellosis. While most individuals recover from it within four to seven days without any medical treatment, susceptible groups of people like children, pregnant women, elderly, and immunocompromised patients can develop serious complications.

The symptoms occur within six to 72 hours of consumption and are as follows:

• Severe fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Headaches
• Nausea

In certain instances, the salmonella infection can have more serious health effects, such as bloodstream infection and chronic joint discomfort, or reactive arthritis.

Of the 57 confirmed cases, approximately 67% are male and range in age from less than one year to over 100 years old. Seven patients have been hospitalized, with no reported deaths yet.

PHAC emphasizes that not everyone exposed to salmonella will become sick, and the severity of symptoms can vary. Nonetheless, any suspected case should be reported immediately to local health authorities.

Public Health Advisory and Consumer Safety Measures

The CFIA stresses that food contaminated with salmonella may not exhibit any visible signs of spoilage, making vigilance all the more critical. Consumers are strongly advised to:

• Dispose of the recalled products immediately
• Avoid eating ready-to-eat sandwiches or deli foods if the origin of salami is not known
• Follow safe food handling practices at home, such as proper storage and washing hands

If you believe a product is contaminated or want to file a food safety complaint, you can file it through the CFIA's online reporting portal or by filing a consumer product incident report.

PHAC and CFIA are closely tracking the outbreak and working cooperatively with provincial health ministries and impacted businesses to prevent further spread. The agencies are also backtracking along the supply chain to identify the source of contamination.

Updates will be made as the investigation progresses on the CFIA and PHAC websites. Consumers should remain updated and adhere to public health guidelines to reduce risk.

This incident is a grim reminder of the extreme need for stringent food safety procedures and openness in food production and distribution. Most people who contract salmonellosis will recover without treatment, but the outbreak highlights the seriousness of foodborne diseases and the need for information awareness.

Just when the world seemed to settle into a post-pandemic rhythm, a new COVID-19 variant—NB.1.8.1, nicknamed Nimbus—is gaining ground and rattling global health authorities. With its hallmark symptom being an agonizing sore throat that patients describe as feeling like “swallowing razor blades,” the variant has already led to a noticeable rise in infections across several countries.

First identified in early 2025, this Omicron subvariant is making headlines as cases spike across Asia and begin to surface in North America, Europe, and Australia as well. With international mobility returning to pre-pandemic levels, global health experts are closely monitoring its trajectory.

NB.1.8.1 is a mutated form of the Omicron variant, it is continuing the trend of subvariants that are more transmissible but, so far, not necessarily more severe. It was first detected and quickly spread through densely populated regions of China and Hong Kong.

By late April, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that NB.1.8.1 accounted for approximately 10.7% of globally submitted genomic sequences—up from just 2.5% a month earlier. This rapid expansion prompted the WHO to designate it as a “variant under monitoring” on May 23.

What Makes NB.1.8.1 Different?

What sets NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, apart from earlier COVID-19 variants is its unique set of symptoms, most notably the intense sore throat.

Patients across various countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the UK, have described a "razor blade" sensation in the throat, far more painful than the sore throats associated with previous variants.

Virologists, including Australia’s Dr. Lara Herrero of Griffith University, believe this new variant has a higher transmission potential and increased immune evasion capabilities, meaning it can more easily bypass natural or vaccine-induced immunity, contributing to its rapid spread.

Key Symptoms of New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 To What to Watch For

While the classic COVID symptoms like fever and fatigue remain present, NB.1.8.1 adds a painful twist to the mix. Here’s what patients have been reporting:

• Severe sore throat described as 'swallowing razor blades'
• Fatigue and body aches
• Mild to moderate fever
• Congestion and runny nose
• Persistent mild cough
• Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and nausea in some cases

Healthcare professionals caution that these symptoms can be confused with the flu or seasonal allergies, making early detection more challenging without testing.

How Dangerous Is New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1?

Despite its painful symptoms and swift spread, current data suggests that NB.1.8.1 is not more deadly than prior variants. The WHO has emphasized that existing COVID-19 vaccines remain effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalization caused by this strain.

A pre-print study (still pending peer review) also indicates that although the variant demonstrates high immune evasion, the severity of illness appears consistent with previous Omicron variants. That said, under-testing in many parts of the world means the actual scale of spread may be underreported.

Several factors contribute to the rise in COVID cases globally:

Reduced testing and complacency: Fewer people are getting tested for COVID-19 compared to the height of the pandemic, making tracking more difficult.

Seasonal mobility: Increased travel and fewer restrictions may be aiding the variant’s spread.

Vaccine fatigue and rollback of mandates: Recent policy changes, such as the rollback of vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women in the U.S., could affect future immunization rates.

Dr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary under the Trump administration, recently stated a controversial shift in vaccine recommendations, despite evidence supporting vaccination—especially for pregnant women—to protect both mother and baby.

How To Stay Safe and Protected?

Health experts explain that COVID-19 vaccines continue to be a first and most important aspect of defense and protection, including against NB.1.8.1. There is no current evidence that the variant undermines vaccine effectiveness against severe illness.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also urges pregnant women to stay up to date on their COVID vaccinations, citing strong data showing that vaccinated mothers pass antibodies to their newborns, offering early protection.

While NB.1.8.1 isn’t considered a “variant of concern” yet, its rapid rise in numbers and severe sore throat symptoms have placed it on the global radar. The good news is that existing public health measures—vaccination, hygiene, mask-wearing in high-risk settings—still work.

Individuals who experience persistent throat pain, especially if accompanied by other flu-like symptoms, are advised to get tested and isolate as necessary.

The present guidance from public health officials mirrors what the international community has collectively embraced as received wisdom:

• Keep practicing proper hand hygiene.
• Use masks in indoor, poorly ventilated, or congested settings.
• Self-isolate and get tested if having cold-like symptoms.
• Stay home and refrain from unnecessary social contacts if ill.

The emergence of NB.1.8.1 is a sharp reminder that COVID-19 is far from over. While it may no longer dominate headlines like it did during the global crisis, its ability to mutate and spread remains potent.

If your sore throat feels unusually painful—like swallowing glass or razor blades, it might be time to test, mask up, and protect those around you.

The U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday unveiled eight new members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), days after abruptly dismissing the previous 17-member panel. Health and Me had previously reported on the JFK Jr.'s decision to 'retire' the existing members of the ACIP.

This move has stirred concern among doctors, scientists, and public health groups, who fear Kennedy is steering federal vaccine policy in a direction driven more by ideology than science.

The new appointments include individuals known for their skepticism about mainstream vaccine science, including critics of COVID-19 vaccines and public health measures implemented during the pandemic.

A Shift in Tone and Credentials

Among the new advisers is Dr. Robert Malone, a scientist who once worked on mRNA vaccine technology and later gained notoriety for promoting conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines. Malone has suggested that Americans were “hypnotized” into taking vaccines and claimed the shots cause a form of AIDS—both statements widely debunked by scientific communities.

Also joining the panel is Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a co-author of the controversial Great Barrington Declaration that argued against pandemic lockdowns, and Dr. Cody Meissner, a pediatric infectious disease expert who previously served on both ACIP and the FDA’s vaccine advisory panel.

Vicky Pebsworth, a regional director for the National Association of Catholic Nurses and former board member of the National Vaccine Information Center—often cited for spreading vaccine misinformation—was also appointed.

Concerns About Qualifications and Bias

Public health experts expressed alarm over the new composition. “The previous ACIP was made up of technical experts who have spent their lives studying vaccines,” said Abram Wagner, a University of Michigan public health researcher. “Most people on the current list don’t have the technical capacity we expect from those making complex, science-driven decisions.”

Wagner added that the inclusion of Pebsworth was “incredibly problematic,” due to her association with groups accused of spreading vaccine misinformation.

Despite public concerns, Kennedy stated the committee would not be composed of “anti-vaxxers” but of “credentialed scientists.”

ALSO READ: RFK Jr. Removes Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee

A Closer Look at the Appointees

Other appointees include:

• Dr. James Hibbeln, a former NIH neuroscientist focused on nutrition and brain health.
• Retsef Levi, an MIT operations management professor who called for an end to the COVID-19 vaccine program in a 2023 video.
• Dr. James Pagano, an emergency medicine physician from Los Angeles.
• Dr. Michael Ross, a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist.
• Dr. Meissner, arguably the most experienced in vaccine policy among the new members, served on ACIP and the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee. During his term, he notably voted against broad booster recommendations in 2021—a decision later overturned by the FDA.

Changing Course on Public Health Policy

The ACIP, created in 1964, advises the CDC on how to use FDA-approved vaccines. While Kennedy promised during his Senate confirmation to uphold the vaccination schedule, he has since overridden ACIP’s guidance. In May, he independently altered COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women.

On Monday, he dismissed all 17 existing ACIP members, pledging to install a new team before the committee’s next meeting in late June. The upcoming agenda includes key decisions on vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, HPV, RSV, and meningococcal disease.

Kennedy, long a polarizing figure in the vaccine debate, has accused the former panel of being too aligned with pharmaceutical companies. Critics warn that his restructured committee may prioritize politics over public health science.